People’s all-star, pre-Grammy concert with Timbaland ended with a resounding crash when the superproducer and rapper delivered a foul-mouthed tirade against the magazine because some of his friends were apparently left outside the venue. With a blinged-out cross dangling from his neck, a sweaty Timbaland addressed the crowd at the Avalon Club just after finishing a high energy set with longtime muse Missy Elliott, capping a night of performances from acts such as Chris Cornell, Grammy-nominated band Paramore and One Republic in front of a crowd that included Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Ludacris.
“Next time I have one of my homeboys in line, let that (expletive) in!” Timbaland shouted as the event winded down after 2 a.m. Saturday, adding that he was a “peoples person.”
“I don’t like to see my people turned around for some (expletive) magazine … (expletive) y’all!”
After his tirade ended, he walked off stage with music blasting. The party was effectively over.
A source close to Timbaland who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation said the entertainer had been frustrated at what was described as security and production mishaps, and said he didn’t mean to lash out at the magazine.
People magazine didn’t have an official comment but a source close to the celebrity weekly said they were perplexed as to why Timbaland was upset and that they had considered the event a success. The magazine co-sponsored the party with Verizon Wireless to celebrate Timbaland’s deal with the carrier to create a mobile album and content for the network.
Before that, the night was a sea of booze, glitz and lighter vibes, with Elliott wearing a black sweat shirt with “CHING A LING” spelled out in glittering gold letters on the front and a bright gold “MS” ring on her hand.
Elliott led the crowd in singing happy birthday to Timbaland, whose real birthday is in March. Hard-stomping dancers surrounded them. Elliott even joked, “Leave Britney alone! I like Britney,” when the DJ started in with a clip of one of Spears’ songs while Elliott performed.
Timbaland’s discontent, however, could be seen earlier in the evening. As a shaggy-haired Chris Cornell, backed by a full band, rocked out some old hits and a new song in a 1:30 a.m. set, Timbaland stood at the side of the stage with a scowl on his face. But he only had a glowing intro for Cornell, whose upcoming solo album he produced, saying it was “the best” work he had ever done.
Right before he delivered his rant, he threatened to outdo Kanye West, known for his outbursts.
A bevy of other stars, including Jordin Sparks, will.i.am, Fergie and Mario Lopez, flocked to the party, where attendees guzzled beer and vodka and feasted on tiramisu cups and mini burgers in the darkly lit club.
Hilton, wearing pink heels and a matching pink headband, writhed and danced in an upstairs balcony when the DJ spun Spears’ tune “Gimme More.” Later, Hilton shimmied and stuck her middle fingers into the air as the band One Republic performed onstage below.
“Hannah Montana” teen phenom Miley Cyrus danced barefoot in front of the stage surrounded by a group of friends.
